A Victorian private cover sent to Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881) during one of his terms as Chancellor of the Exchequer. The cover is addressed in manuscript: “The Right Honble. The Chancellor of the Exchequer Grosvenor Gate” The form of address is particularly interesting: Disraeli is not named on the cover, but is identified directly by his official position as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Disraeli served as Chancellor of the Exchequer in Lord Derby's three administrations — in 1852, 1858–1859, and 1866–1868. The cover can therefore be associated with one of these periods, although in the absence of a date it cannot be assigned with certainty to a particular term. At the lower left appears an unidentified autograph inscription or signature, recorded in the earlier documentation accompanying the item as “+NEM” (?). the identity of the sender remains unknown. The reverse retains an original red wax seal bearing a device or monogram, with a blind-embossed mark visible above it. According to the earlier documentation accompanying the item, the envelope also bears the embossed wording “Temple Envelope, ” referring to the envelope manufacturer. An interesting Victorian historical item sent directly to Benjamin Disraeli in his capacity as Chancellor of the Exchequer, at Grosvenor Gate, retaining an unidentified sender's autograph inscription and its original wax seal.
Auction 01: Auction 01 – Historical Letters, Documents & Autographs — Melis Antiques & Art